‘Law would have killed off top show’

A MULTI award-winning Edinburgh Festival Fringe play about sex trafficking would not have got off the ground had controversial new legislation governing arts events been in place, its director has claimed.

Roadkill, which has won more Fringe awards than any other new show, was staged in a tiny flat on London Road during the 2010 festival. It has already toured to Paris and London on the back of its Fringe success and will go on a world tour next year.

However Cora Bissett, who has written to the Scottish Government condemning the law which comes into force on 1 April, saying it would have been “impossible” for her to stage the site-specific production. She has told the government that Scotland’s international reputation for creating great art will be “seriously damaged” unless it is reviewed.

It has also emerged that The Proclaimers and Irvine Welsh have also backed the growing nationwide campaign over the legislation, which critics claim threatens grass-roots arts events in venues which are currently unlicensed.

Ahead of a planned nationwide April Fool’s Day protest, campaigners wants ministers to “think again” on the legislation, rather than simply pass responsibility to local authorities.

Ms Bissett said: “An artist needs a trial ground. We need room to work, play and experiment with other artists. We need space to try and fail, sometimes off the radar. This is where we learn to find our own voice and get better.

“If this tax had existed, I and countless others would not have the skills and experience we do, and would not be in a position to create the innovative and fresh work which we do.”

The Proclaimers said: “We strongly support this campaign - anything that hinders artistic expression and creativity should be opposed by everybody.”

Irvine Welsh added: “It’s a brilliant idea if the intention is to destroy grass-roots culture in Scotland. A stupid one if there’s any other agenda.”

Culture minister Fiona Hyslop has insisted the government does not want to see any “adverse affect” on exhibitions and performances by the new legislation.

Edinburgh has insisted events with a capacity under 200 will not be affected by the new law, while Glasgow has pledged to hold off enforcing it for six months.

However other councils have insisted licences will be required for the vast majority of events at the beginning of next month.